Virgil C. Dechant

Virgil C. Dechant (24 September 1930-) was the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus from 21 January 1977 to 30 September 2000, succeeding John W. McDevitt and preceding Carl A. Anderson.

Biography
Virgil C. Dechant was born in Antonino, Ellis County, Kansas in 1930, the descendant of German-Russian immigrants. He became vice president of the Vatican Bank, a Gentleman of His Holiness, and a Councillor on the State Council for Vatican City. In 2000, he stepped down as Supreme Knight after 23 years, the longest tenure of any Supreme Knight.